Bulldogs battling to retain sponsors
Stuart Honeysett | August 05, 2008
SONNY Bill Williams' walkout from the Bulldogs could have further ramifications as the club is facing a $2 million sponsorship shortfall next season.
Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed the club was yet to retain any of its apparel sponsors for 2009 as Williams signed with French rugby union club, Toulon today.
The major sponsor since 2003 has been electronics giant Mitsubishi Electric, which pays $1m a season into the club's coffers.
Other sponsors yet to commit past this season include Maxim Home Loans ($400,000, back of jumper), Sagem Mobile Phone ($300,000, shorts) and Bankstown Sports ($300,000, sleeve).
"A lot of our major sponsors' contracts are up at the end of '08 so we're in the process of talking to all those people," Greenberg said yesterday.
"The timing of Sonny's walkout isn't ideal and it's certainly not making things any easier."
Williams could play with a Toulon in a pre-season friendly on Friday.
Greenberg expressed disappointment at the latest developments, reminding Williams that he was still obligated to the Bulldogs.
"I'm obviously disappointed to learn of this through the media reports," Greenberg said.
"It's not a setback. He's over there and getting ready so it's obviously all part of the plan.
"There's no doubt in my view he's still one year into a five-year deal and I think that needs to be banged home pretty strongly."
Williams' walkout isn't the only factor crippling the Bulldogs' sponsorship drive as several ugly off-field incidents this season have had an impact.
Ben Roberts has been involved in two alcohol-related incidents, the latest which led to the half-back and team-mate Lee Te Maari being stood down from first grade and fined $5000 each.
Last week the club sacked rookie halfback Arana Taumata after he allegedly broke a man's jaw in a fight outside a Bondi hotel.
The club's sliding form - it is second last and only four points clear of wooden spoon favourite North Queensland - has also affected the push for corporate dollars.
"I'd like to think when the times are a little tough the sponsors are going to stick with us," Greenberg said.
"I've said a number of times the club will come out the other end and we want to hope as many of our sponsors and supporters stick with us through the tough times."
It is understood behind the scenes some officials are seething at the previous administration for allowing the club's apparel sponsors deals to expire at the same time.
The shortfall could potentially also form part of a legal argument if the club moves to seek damages from Williams for walking out in the first year of a five-year contract.
The club is still hopeful of retaining Mitsubishi Electric. Greenberg expected to meet representatives of the company later this week.
Although it has not re-signed, Maxim Home Loans issued a statement last week condemning Williams' walkout before confirming its support for the club.
Greenberg's attempts to secure sponsors have also been hampered by the club's court battle against Williams.
The chief executive spent yesterday being briefed by the club's legal team before today's appearance in the NSW Supreme Court.
Efforts for a speedy resolution have been thwarted by the club's inability to issue writs against Williams and his manager, Khoder Nasser, to provide necessary documentation about the Toulon deal.
Williams avoided being subpoenaed while stranded in London last week trying to organise a visa for France.
Nasser has also been elusive after he skipped Anthony Mundine's fight in Newcastle last Wednesday night and has somehow managed to escape detection since arriving in France.
It is understood the Bulldogs will today ask the NSW Supreme Court for substituted service so papers can be issued on others who are connected to the Williams' camp.
"We're working at speed with the NRL and our respective legal teams to determine our next steps," Greenberg said.
"Given the matter is now before the courts it would be improper of me to offer any further comment."
